Acorn To Arabella · video

What this video covers

Steve prepares the wooden ketch *Arabella* for summer cruising by installing a suite of Garmin electronics on the mizzenmast and main mast. To mount the radar dome and satellite sensors, he fabricates custom platforms from plastic cutting boards, which he bolts to the masts to accommodate the limited surface area.7:20 He uses Scanstrut brackets to secure the 18-inch radar dome and organizes the NMEA 2000 network, applying dielectric silicone grease to all cable connections to prevent corrosion.18:47 The installation includes an AIS unit, satellite weather, and a satellite compass, all integrated into a single backbone.7:33 Additionally, Steve installs charging ports in the bridge deck and color-coded reefing lines—red, white, and blue—to simplify sail handling for crew.7:02 He manages the wiring using a detailed schematic provided by a consultant, utilizing heat-shrink connectors and cable glands to ensure watertight integrity.21:05 The project proceeds during a period of high winds that prevent deck work, allowing him to assemble the components in the cabin before hoisting them aloft.9:03

More from Acorn To Arabella

We Stripped Our Wooden Sailboat Back to Bare Wood... AgainOct 2026Saying Goodbye to Newfoundland—and the Man Who Inspired ArabellaSept 2026Upgrading the Rudder and Another Trek To The CliffAug 2026We're Climbing a Wall No One Has Ever Climbed Before | Rock Climbing on Newfoundland's South CoastJul 2026

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